MEADOWLANDS LEGEND BETS CARD
MEADOWLANDS LEGEND BETS CARD SATURDAY 11-15-14
Legend Bets Grading Scale
A- Given when a race has a weak favorite or no true favorite combined with a slew of other horses that have as good of chance. Race must have a complete field of at least 9 or 10 horses to ensure value. The favorite should be a vulnerable horse that doesn’t have a good chance of winning the race at any odds let alone short odds. The more vulnerable the favorite, the better the betting race it is. An A grade is often going to be a Legend Bet Race. These races while rare offer great betting opportunities to the bettor.
B- Given when a race has more than 2 horses that can win the race and multiple horses that could round out the exotics like trifectas and superfectas. These races generally have two even priced horses that vow for favoritism that isn’t odds on and then some longshots that also have a chance to fill out the tickets.
C- Given when a race has a strong favorite with no more than 1 or 2 other horses that pose considerable threats to that favorite. These races are important to search for value underneath in exotics rather than trying to beat the favorites for the win. The C Grade can also be given when I have no strong opinions on the race even though it may pay well.
D- A heavy favorite that looks very tough on paper, and nobody poses a real serious threat to win the race. Shorter fields could also produce a lower grade race because generally there becomes a heavy favorite with not much value in exotics.
TOUGH RACES THAT DON’T HAVE ANY CLEAR CUT CHOICES COULD ALSO BE GIVEN A LOW GRADE ON THE LEGEND BETS GRADING SCALE. EVEN THOUGH THE RACE MAY END UP PAYING A LOT IN THE END, HAVING A GOOD FEEL FOR THE RACE AND A STRONG OPINION IS THE KEY TO BEING SUCCESSFUL AND SOME RACES ARE JUST TOO TOUGH TO COME UP WITH A WINNER SO THEY ARE SIMPLY GIVEN LOWER GRADES OR VIEWED AS SPREAD RACES IN PICK 4 OR PICK 5 SEQUENCES. YOU WILL RARELY BUT ON OCCASION SEE A HIGH GRADE WITH NO WAGERING SUGGESTIONS BUT MORE OFTEN YOU WILL SEE GRADES OF C & D GIVE NO WAGERING SUGGESTIONS OR AT LEAST LESS OF THEM.
FEATURED WAGERS
.50 CENT PICK 5
4678/456/67/47/6
.50 CENT EARLY PICK 4 (RACES 3-6)
67/457/46/57
.50 CENT LATE PICK 4 (RACES 7-10)
1345678/5/245/26810
RACE 1 GRADE B
My Top Choice is 6 SUPER MANNING
WP 6 SUPER MANNING
Exacta 6/4578 4578/6
Trifecta 6/4578/4578 4578/6/4578
5 MA CHERE HALL debuts for the new barn after being sold last week and is the class of this field. But I worry about the first start for that new barn and the 1 for 13 over the track makes her a risky proposition tonight. One positive is that Zeron drove her once and she won. 7 NOT AFRAID figures to be favored in here tonight and he’s deserving of those honors with 20 of 26 in the money finishes here at the Meadowlands. The recent effort he relinquished a late lead that through fractions that weren’t that demanding for the class and that’s my only concern. 6 SUPER MANNING needed the last race and now turns back and should be primed for a big effort tonight. I’m not sure he’s good enough if the top two trot but the price will be good enough to try. 4 POSSESSED FASHION could also add some value in this race as his recent form is pretty good. I think Pierce keeps him close enough early to give him a chance late in the mile. 8 MELADY’S MONET is the wild card and I think has a shot with Tetrick first time. He prefers the half mile track but the form is plenty good enough to use. Selections for this race are 6-7-8-4.
RACE 2 GRADE C
NO WAGERING SUGGESTIONS
8 CENTURION ATM is recovering from a cold and may need this start but the two starts over this track make her the one to beat in this field if right. I doubt you’ll get 4-1 for Ake Svanstedt in this race but because of her running style she may just take back and save her best for the final next week. 4 GUESS WHO’S BACK is probably in too tough but I’ve seen potential in this one for a while. I think he’s got a shot should the top 2 falter some he could be right there. The qualifier was pretty good and I think he’s going to at least hit the ticket tonight. 5 PINKMAN was Gingras’ choice in here and that has to account for something. The recent qualifier may have aided in that decision and when he opts to drive not for Burke you have to pay attention. Burke sends out 6 HABITAT who gets Brian Sears tonight for the 1st time. The lone try over this track was a pretty good effort on the front end in dominant fashion. I think she goes there again tonight but whether or not she’s used hard in this elimination remains to be seen making this a tough race to wager on. The top three are simply better and assuming they both are all their best it won’t pay anything. Selections for this race are 5-6-8.
RACE 3 GRADE C
My Top Choice is 6 VOELZ HANOVER
WP ON 6 VOELZ HANOVER
Exacta 6/157 157/6
Trifecta 67/67/ALL
7 ROCKLAMATION is much the horse to beat for Burke with Gingras in the bike and I’ll be surprised if you get 9-5 in this spot tonight. She loves this track whereas the entry really doesn’t and she’s simply the horse to beat in here. 1 ANDROVETTE and 1A SHELLISCAPE can win I suppose but they are awful wagers at short odds. Combined they have just 1 win from 17 starts over this track and that’s less than recommendable. Both were simply overmatched at Vernon by 7 ROCKLAMATION and as they come to her favorite track, things don’t fare well for this entry tonight. 6 VOELZ HANOVER has never raced here but could be dropped on top off the gate and that could mean well for her. She finished ahead of He’s Watchingn in the qualifier who holds the track record here, I think she’s dangerous at a price. 5 CAMILLE should save ground throughout and come with a late kick to round out exotics in what should be another chalky affair. Selections for this race are 7-6-1-5.
RACE 4 GRADE C
My Top Choice is 7 FRENCH LAUNDRY
Trifecta 7/4589/4589 4589/74589
4 MUSCLE DIAMOND has an upset chance tonight as he comes in with pretty solid form. In the money for 7 of the 8 starts this year makes him a solid wagering proposition with Campbell in the bike. Off the pace was the place to be last night and if things are similar tonight that will improve his chances. 5 WHATAWORKOUT had everyone saying exactly that last week as he comes in here after a solid qualifier up in Canada. I’m not sure how good she is but I think she’s in the right elimination to make some noise tonight. 9 CRUZADO DELA NOCHE was really good last time off the layoff and considering the off track I think she should be even better tonight. The price is fair despite the post and with David Miller in the bike I think you have to use in exotics. 7 FRENCH LAUNDRY loves the Meadolwands and is the horse to beat in here. Brett Miller drives and that should help the price and not hurt her chances. She’s versatile enough to do whatever the race presents and if she’s on her game she’ll be very tough tonight. Selections for this race are 7-4-5-9.
RACE 5 GRADE C
NO WAGERING SUGGESTIONS
4 ALWAYS B MIKKI is certainly capable of winning and is in the best form of her life but she’s too short of a price to wager on in this group tonight. I think she can win obviously and maybe she is the horse to beat as she does love the Meadowlands but I’d never take 8-5 in an elimination as tough as this one. 1 JK ENDOFANERA shows up when she doesn’t face top competition but struggles a bit against the big boys. I think she’s very vulnerable and could just as easily miss the ticket as he could hit it. 6 HE’S WATCHING is the horse to beat and should be favored come post time. He owns the track record at this track and while most would suggest he got a good setup, I’d argue he picked the trip he wanted. He was parked out in the Meadowlands Pace from the start, and was never asked until the stretch and even then he did it all on his own. Hope everyone else brings their pacing shoes tonight but it’s likely they’ll be racing for place if Tetrick decides he wants to win this race. My only concern is he doesn’t need to win, which will help the price for next week. Selections for this race are 6-4-5-1.
RACE 6 GRADE D
NO WAGERING SUGGESTIONS
5 THINKING OUT LOUD should probably be favored in here by post time and I think he’s the horse to beat. Lots of horses stop on the front end at Woodbine and I wouldn’t hold that mile against him as he gets Campbell back tonight. His last two over this track which obviously were some time ago would make him very tough in here. 6 CLEAR VISION is in top form but the Meadowlands has always been a track he’s struggled at. He simply prefers the smaller tracks and if you wager on him at 8-5 or 2-1 then good luck, just know you are making a horrible wager as he’s 0-7 on this track for a reason. 7 STATE TREASURER is the main danger to the 5 THINKING OUT LOUD and I think if we get an upset that it will be him. The 5 year old needs some pace to chase and needs to be close enough when they turn with live cover, a lot to ask for but the odds should be fair at least. 4 WAKE UP PETER can certainly hit the ticket as well and what he does off the gate could be key. He’s been taking back of late but I’m not sure first over is where you want to be on this track and perhaps we’ll see him make the front early on. Selections for this race are 5-7-4-6.
RACE 7 GRADE B
My Top Choice is 1 DOO WOP HANOVER
Exacta 1/3468 3468/1
Trifecta 1/3468/3468 3468/1/3468 3468/3468/1
1 DOO WOP HANOVER is going to be a big price and may just be able to trip out from the inside post. I know he’s probably outclassed in here but none of them love to win so perhaps it goes to a horse like this one at a big price if things get a little crazy in here. 8 LIMELIGHT BEACH can win but is another one of those horses that are just bad wagers whether they win or not. The last two at Hoosier suggest he’s in good enough form to use in here but I’m trying to beat him at short odds. 6 JET AIRWAY is another that needs a trip and if they go fast early his chances will improve. He adds Lasix for the first time and we’ll see how much that helps tonight. 3 MCWICKED has always preferred the bigger track and he tries the Meadowlands for the 1st time tonight. Sears will drive and he’s drove this one just once before, in a win. If he’s close enough when they turn he’ll be a factor. Campbell gets the catch drive on 4 LYONSSOMEWHERE could be to leave. The recent form is awful but perhaps a return to the Meadowlands wakes him up tonight. Selections for this race are 1-8-3-6.
RACE 8 GRADE C***BEST BET OF THE NIGHT***
My Top Choice is 5 RICH WISDOM
Exacta 5/127 127/5
Trifecta 5/127/127 127/5/127
1 GO DADDY GO was left with too much to do last time and while I wouldn’t want 4-1 I think with the right trip from a good post he can hit the ticket. He doesn’t win often so you need to demand a price in this spot tonight as he comes in off a nice effort a few weeks ago in Canada. 2 LOST FOR WORDS is the horse to beat the only concern is the 3 weeks off. He got roughed up last out so the effort looks worse than it actually was and I think this one is better than that. The Brian Brown barn has been really good since the Jug and you’ll be able to tell when they bet this horse if he’s live so watch the board. 5 RICH WISDOM could get lost in the wagering and I think would be a great wager at 7-2. I think he’ll like the big stretch at the Meadowlands as his big track efforts are simply better than most of this field. I think as long as he can find a helmet to come off of he’s the main danger and my Best Bet of the Night. 7 LYONS AGAIN tried to challenge Artspeak and that can’t be taken away from him. I think he rebounds tonight against softer and plays a major role in this outcome. Selections for this race are 5-7-2-1.
RACE 9 GRADE A***LEGEND BET RACE***
My Top Choice is 5 MAXI BON
WP ON 5 MAXI BON
Exacta 5/12348 12348/5
Trifecta 5/24/12348 24/5/12348
4 LORD OF MISRULE finds a group that he can beat tonight after facing tougher and racing well in the past couple. He’s struggled at the Meadowlands and that’s my main concern but the price should be fair enough to take a shot. 5 MAXI BON has back class and goes out tonight off the trainer change after the Mixed sale in Harrisburg. He won his only start over this track in 1:49:4 after being parked out at the start and working his way to the front, he crushed that field. I think he’s a must wager if you get close to double digits even though it probably won’t happen. 1 SWEET ROCK can win but is a bad wager at 8-5 or even 5-2. I know he won last time here and looked good but he was 9 billion to one and taking a short price on him tonight is a horrible idea. He hasn’t raced since September and while that used to be a bigger deal than it does now days it still matters and taking short prices on horses like this is a long term recipe for disaster. 2 HALL BRO is certainly a threat in here for Burke and Gingras and he wouldn’t surprise me at all. He’s never raced here though and that’s a concern but all signs point to him liking it here at Meadowlands. Selections for this race are 5-2-4-1.
RACE 10 GRADE B***LEGEND BET RACE***
My Top Choice is 8 ARCH MADNESS
WP ON 8 ARCH MADNESS
Exacta 8/24610 24610/8
Trifecta 8/24610/24610 24610/8/24610
2 YOUR SO VAIN is one I’m watching tonight with next week in mind and while I may waste a few bucks on him tonight at nice odds he’s probably going to need this race as a prep. The qualifier was better than it appears on paper and I think he’s very dangerous for Ake Svanstedt. 4 MASTER OF LAW has missed some time as well but figures to take some money off that most recent qualifier. Takter stays behind this one but it shouldn’t be a concern as he’s 3 for 6 with this one. He loves this track and at some point will be in position to have a shot to win the race. 6 SEVRUGA must be used on all tickets as he could get back to his old self for Julie Miller. He needed that last race and the qualifier but could be sitting on a big effort tonight and I expect him to qualify for the final at least. 8 ARCH MADNESS was huge last time out going longer and I think that effort sets him up nicely tonight to have a big shot. I expect Brennan to do what it takes to make the front end and I think he’ll be very tough to catch if he does. 9 ARCHANGEL is one I’d be careful with but you always have to respect Burke. I think he’s got too many question marks with Sears first time, off Lasix, no wins since July, 1 for 8 over this track, and post 9 to make a wager on him at 5-2. 10 MAVEN gets a new barn after the sale but Gingras stays in the bike as the recent purchase of $750K keeps her close to home. At her best she can beat these but with her style from Post 10 it’s not going to be easy. I think she’s vulnerable and I’m going to play against this week at least. Selections for this race are 8-2-10-6.
RACE 11 GRADE C
My Top Choice is 9 CARTOON DADDY
Exacta 9/510 510/9
Trifecta 9/510/ALL 510/9/ALL
10 IN THE ARSENAL has been good of late but I have no problem betting against him in this spot. This post does him no favors for Sears and the only start over this track was an atrocious effort, even though it was his 2nd start ever. I realize he’s in top form but I also realize how tough post 10 is and it’s rarely if ever worth 8-5 odds. 5 HALL OF TERROR goes back on Lasix and should prove to be a stern test for the favorite early in the race. I think he has to use the post he has to his advantage and I’d love to see Marcus drop this one on top off the gate and end up with the pocket if Sears tries to leave. If that happens I think it could get real interesting as they turn for home. 9 CARTOON DADDY broke and finished right behind the 10 IN THE ARSENAL at Lexington and I think he poses a major challenge to the favorite tonight. I doubt the 7-2 holds up for Gingras and Burke but he’ll be worth a shot tonight if the 10 takes enough $$. 7 TOMY TERROR has one option and that could get him in trouble too because of the other speeds in here. I would be surprised if he changes tactics but his normal tactics but that won’t help his chances and this barn is cold. Selections or this race are 9-5-10-7.
RACE 12 GRADE B
My Top Choice is 4 ADVENTURE BOUND
WP 4 ADVENTURE BOUND
Exacta 4/1356 1356/4
Trifecta 4/1356/1356 1356/4/1356
1 BAD BOY MATT has gotten better since joining the Burke barn and he should appreciate the move back to the big track tonight. He draws well and will have to make sure he gets out in the stretch as his style is to come from off the pace. Not the best wager at 5-2 but a player. 3 WORD POWER is coming off sickness and that’s always a concern for a horse that’s going to be short priced. He finds a soft enough group that he may not need to be at his best but he’s still a risky wager regardless. 4 ADVENTURE BOUND comes off a wicked mile at Rideau Carlton and he gets an upgrade at pilot tonight to Ron Pierce. Eric Ell and Pierce have teamed up with lots of success this year winning 20 of 82 starts and hitting the ticket 2/3rds the time together. I think he’s dangerous and is a worthy spot play as he tries the Meadowlands for the first time. 5 LONG LIVE ROCK is Jeff Duplaise driving for himself and you know you can’t leave him off your tickets when he comes to the Meadowlands, and this is his best horse he brings here. 6 MUSTANG MACH N is the wild card in here and needs to be used in exotics. I think he could appreciate the long stretch drive at the Meadowlands in his debut here tonight. Selections for this race are 4-6-1-5.
RACE 13 GRADE C
My Top Choice is 2 TRANSCENDING
Exacta 2/134 134/2
Trifecta 2/134/ALL
1 OK COMMANDER is well spotted in this class and I think has a shot tonight at big odds. He adds Lasix for the 1st time and has 3 wins from 8 tries over this track. The last two are puzzling but they were also tougher than what he faces tonight, use. 2 TRANSCENDING will and should take money for Burke with Gingras in the bike and I have no problem with that. He’s a contender who has had success here in the past and he can’t be ignored. The recent form is good enough to suggest this one should be a player tonight. 3 GAMBLERS TALE could also get lost in the wagering and has been facing tougher at Yonkers. Another one that has liked the Meadowlands in the past and should be used in exotics. Gingras did choose the two over this one so that has to be worth something. 6 BLATANTLY BEST adds Lasix and you should be careful with him tonight, something just doesn’t seem right with this one and he’s just 1 for 10 over this track lifetime. Selections for this race are 2-1-3-4.